Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

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  Incredibly fun to drive coupe! - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By screwy - July 11 - 6:03 pm

  From the first day I got this car until now I have loved driving it and watching heads turn. I have gotten so many compliments my only complaint would be that I cant look at how sexy it looks while sitting inside. It is a little pricey but when you consider those sleek curves and form fitting sporty seats its hardly anything to complain about. I recommend a test drive at night so you can fully appreciate the cool blue lighting within the simple and sporty cockpit. I just took this car on a weekend getaway and it fit both of our dufflebags in the cargo area even with the subwoofer in there. One thing is for sure this is a sporty car which is not meant for long trips yet is packed with thrills!

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  Love this car - 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Lilgabri03 - July 11 - 4:13 pm

  I bought these car about a month ago and I have enjoyed it greatly. I am 22 and right out of college and I was looking for something sporty and nice, but at the same time that wouldnt cost me an arm and a leg.

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  Very Reliable - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By Lfloyd - July 10 - 6:10 pm

  The gas mileage is great. This makes it cheap to operate and it has never left me standing on the side of the road (knock on wood). I have done little more than upkeep type repairs. Changed the timing belt, engine seals, and routine oil changes.

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  Thank God I owned this car - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By dsdjade - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I loved my little SUV. Drove like a car but had the features of an SUV. Great on the ice and snow with the AWD. Great for in town and long distance travel. Now for the most important. I was involved in a VERY serious accident and my son and I walked away!!!!

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  My Lancer Opinion - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Lancer Lover - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car in March of 2003, I actually traded in my 1999 Honda EX Civic Coupe for it. I fell in love with the Lancer style long before it was released in the US, the body lines are unique, which is what I like. The lancer actually surprised most of my friends with the ability to push you into the seat off the line. It has been reported to have 120 hp, it seems like it has more hp that most cars in its class. I am 67" tall and 250 lbs and the lancer is very comfortable.

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  2002 Montero XLS - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By Robert Walker - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because of its off road capabilities and I have not been disapointed. However a plastic panel has broken off with no other damage to show cause. The exterior of the truck cannot withstand off road trauma. The dealer says neglect and I say defective design. I lose.........

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  Kick asphault - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Timko - July 6 - 10:00 am

  For the money I think this car iss one of the best out there. But then again..the only rason i got one is because of the 0 down 0interest and 0 payments for a year. Top notch!

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  Good overall - after 15,000 miles - 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By tom Mckee - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Owning an 05 Mitsubishi Endeavor has been a good experience so far. I enjoy the ride, overall look inside and out, and good visibility.

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  Thank GOD for the 10/100,000 warranty - 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By Mike - July 4 - 3:14 pm

  One of the biggest reasons I bought Mitsibishi was the 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty on the powertrain. Well I had to use it at the 17,500 mile mark. A new transmission had to be installed! Tech at the dealership said he has had several he has had to replace and Mitsibishi knows they have a problem. So why not a recall? Will be looking to sell or trade come spring of 2018, mileage has fallen off since new tranny was installed, drivers side power window is acting funny. After 27 months of ownership and 18,500 miles on the SUV, I have come to the conculsion that the vehicle is under powered. It needs a 6 cylinder in it. My time as a Mitsibishi owner is about up.

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  Not cloned . . . . nice - 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By sheldon - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Not a sheepish clone of any other vehicle. Refreshing styling, surprising performance. A winner.